“Under the proposed amendment to the Criminal Code, evidence that an offence had a significant impact on the victims due to their age - and other personal circumstances such as health or financial situation - would be considered an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes.” (Source 1)

“Bill C-36, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (elder abuse) (short title: Protecting Canada’s Seniors Act), was introduced in the House of Commons on 15 March 2012 by the Honourable Gordon O’Connor, for the Minister of Justice, the Honourable Rob Nicholson. The bill specifies that “evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation” is an aggravating factor to be taken into account during sentencing for a crime. According to the news release that accompanied the introduction of Bill C-36, this amendment “will help ensure that sentencing for crimes against elderly Canadians reflects the significant impact that crime has on their lives.”” (Source 2)